Gel Insert Reviews:

Get Relief for Your Feet with the Best Gel Inserts - Aching, painful feet are a surefire day-ruiner: whether you're standing on your feet all day, running between meetings in heels or stiff formal shoes, playing sports, or trying to relieve the pain of conditions like plantar fasciitis, discomfort in your feet radiates to every part of your body. People from all walks of life suffer from foot pain, from nurses to cashiers and construction workers to executives, and gel inserts may be the key to relieving discomfort and helping you get on with your day. This is your guide to gel inserts for shoes - and your guide to feeling ready to get up and get moving.

Why Should You Wear Gel Inserts? - Runners may benefit from arch supports that gel insoles provide, but the benefits extend to anyone who has to work on their feet or who experiences discomfort. The increased cushioning helps absorb the shock that your feet endure from each step, while you can find supportive inserts that help to align and balance your feet. If you have high arches, for instance, you may be overflexing your foot to compensate. This can be uncomfortable, but it can also lead to plantar fasciitis and other foot conditions. For you, an insole with more arch cushioning, as opposed to support, will help relieve discomfort because it allows your foot to relax as weight is distributed throughout the foot instead of just on the ball and heel. On the other hand, if you have low or flat arches, you need more rigid arch supports to prevent your arch from rolling in (overpronation).
Clearly, no one size gel insert fits all, so how do you choose? First, know your foot. What kind of arches do you have, and where do you need support and cushioning? You can also pinpoint specific types of gel insoles based on any foot or medical conditions you have. For instance, those with plantar fasciitis, a painful inflammation of the tissue between the heel and toe, experience stabbing pain that usually disappears as their feet limber up. A best seller among those with the condition is the Spenco Orthotic Arch Supports, which help to position the foot correctly. The Spenco insoles stabilize and balance the foot, while cushioning reduces shock and friction. The Spenco shoe inserts for plantar fasciitis are about $15, and one reviewer said that they worked even better than specially-made orthotic shoes.
The key to choosing the best shoe inserts is to pinpoint the pain or discomfort you are feeling. It may be that you need something as simple as extra cushioning in your boots, or it may be that you need to correct the alignment of low arched feet. Whatever it is, you can find inserts that target your foot and help relieve pain. You can browse the best selling gel inserts here.

Cost of Gel Inserts for Shoes:

Costs can vary wildly, as can the durability of gel inserts. Runners, for instance, favor Dean Karnazes Signature Series Insoles from Sole. These offer a perforated EVA base, great breathability, lightweight construction, 1.6mm of proprietary cushioning material, SOFTEC, and even X-Static silver fibers for odor control. But one of the best features is the durability. According to a runner on BeginnerTriathlete.com, his Sole insoles have lasted for a year and still feel great. Other reviewers indicated that they are still going strong after months of use. This is certainly something to consider as the price tag is about $40 to $50 per pair. Replacing them after weeks would be a burden to say the least.
You can always opt for less expensive inserts that provide great cushioning and support. The Dr. Scholl's Back Pain Relief Orthotics, for instance, provide clinically proven lower back pain relief. Podiatrist tested, you can trim these to fit and the Shock Guard will cushion and absorb impact, relieving discomfort in your feet, legs, and back. They cost under $20 for two pairs, and one Amazon reviewer said they lasted through 4 months of daily 6-8 mile walks. In this case, the Dr. Scholl's are a good value because they are fairly long-lasting and they are much less expensive.
It might be better to ask yourself what the cost of not wearing gel inserts would be. If you experience pain that makes it difficult to go to work, much less work out, you are missing out on your life. How much is that worth to you? $20 a few times a year sounds like a good deal.

Best Gel Inserts:

As one Amazon customer pointed out, even the "best" shoe inserts may not be the best for you. Everyone has a different foot, and each of those feet may have a unique condition that requires a specific level of cushion and support for optimal comfort. Trial and error is often how they find the right gel insoles. To avoid this learning curve, though, it is helpful to look for inserts that can be trimmed to fit your foot. The Dr. Scholl's inserts discussed above, for instance, can be trimmed if too large or if you need different levels of comfort. One reviewer couldn't wear full-length inserts because she would get blisters. She trimmed them into 3/4 length inserts and was able to manage her heel pain. This is a very practical feature, and one that is common in gel insoles today.
BarefootRunningShoes, Amazon, Zappos, WalkingShoeReview, and Ergonomics.com rate SuperFeet highly. The Superfeet Trim-To-Fit Green Insole, for instance, are ideal for those with medium to high arches and provide great support, balance, and shock absorption. The closed-cell foam and nylon construction offers the support and comfort you need for skiing, snowboarding, hiking, walking, running, and other physical activities. They are backed by a 1 year manufacturer's warranty and cost about $35.
Another great feature to look out for is the ability to heat-mold the inserts. A consumer favorite is Sole. The Sole Unisex Softec Ultra Insole is great for active people, whether "active" means hiking or running or going to work in your work boots. This insert helps relieve soreness and pain in people with flat feet, plantar fasciitis, bunions, or back and knee pain. Heat-moldable, they allow you to get a custom fit. Simply heat the footbeds and put the inserts into your shoes or boots. Put the shoes on and lace them up. The inserts will mold to the shape of your foot in about 2 minutes. Customized comfort means your foot is cushioned where it needs to be and supported where it needs to be. The Soles are also backed by a 1 year manufacturer's warranty. They are $30 to $54, depending on size.
Don't let foot discomfort sideline you from the activities you love. Great gel insoles can help you work and play without discomfort. View top rated shoe inserts here.